Splinter Cell is yet to be attached to a studio, although Ubisoft has had preliminary talks with Warner Bros and Paramount.

Hardy will play a highly-trained special operative in a fictional black-ops operation called Echelon.

"Tom Hardy is currently one of the biggest talents in the film industry, and he has a phenomenal ability to take on complex and varied roles with his broad range of acting skills," said Jean-Julien Baronnet, CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures.

"His involvement in the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell movie is exciting news for movie and video game fans alike.

"Meanwhile, Eric Singer is one of the most talented writers of the moment, and we're confident he'll bring a fresh approach and create a thrilling story while still respecting all the codes and traditions of the franchise that are so important to fans."

Ubisoft is also making a movie version of Assassin's Creed in conjunction with New Regency and Fox, starring Michael Fassbender.

Photo gallery - 20 video games that should be movies:

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Alan WakeRemedy's action horror could easily make the transition into film thanks to its strong, intriguing narrative and the creepy Taken. We reckon James Franco could play the titular character, looking for his missing wife in Bright Falls.
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